The 137th running of the Preakness Stakes has shaped up nicely. Eleven runners go post-ward at 6:18 p.m. ET, and about two minutes later we will know if the chase for the Triple Crown is still alive. The weather calls for the mid-80’s, and a fast track is expected at “Old Hilltop” as they contest the second jewel of the Triple Crown.

#5 – Went The Day Well (6-1) I followed him at Churchill Downs, and he is my top selection. His race in the Derby was bumpy and eventful. He came flying from 17th to check-in at 4th. John Velasquez is in the driver’s seat for Graham Motion, and together they make quite a team, winning at 27% this year. This son of Proud Citizen looks to be a bit closer as the pace should be evenly measured. His lightly raced resume shows improvement with every start, and with a little racing luck we may see his best side in this event.

#9 – I’ll Have Another (5-2) That was what many fans at Churchill Downs had to say right after the Derby. But the owner did not name him for adult beverage consumption. It was for his response to his wife’s asking if he’d like another cookie. Jockey Mario Gutierrez is the star of the hour, as he was a regular rider at Hastings Park in Canada. His trainer Doug O’Neill said, “he looked fit and ready, and is happy with his progress.” I would look for this colt to be following Bodemeister a little closer. This son of Flower Alley looked like the real deal on Derby day, and today he will decide if his plans include the Belmont in three weeks.

#6 – Creative Cause (6-1) Joel Rosario is up for Mike Harrington. Rosario is a very solid reins-man, and he was in tight during the Derby. His 8-wide move in the race did not help matters, and he figures to get a much better trip in this field. This son of Giant’s Causeway looks to play a mid-flight stalker right behind the pace.

#7 – Bodemeister (8-5) Mike Smith comes to post for five-time Preakness winning trainer Bob Baffert. The jinx patrol is still rolling as the runner-up in the Derby has won this race twice in the last fifty years. After a fast pace at Churchill, he still looked like a winner at the 1/8th pole. Could this have been the absence of a two-year-old season, fast fractions, or any other of the million questions? He will be on the lead, and you can bet it will be an evenly measured pace. I think he has tons of potential, but the price will be short, and wheeling him back quick may be his undoing. But mark my word, if he gets the lead and puts them to sleep with a pedestrian pace, it will be over early.

Bodemeister should dictate the pace. I would look for sensable fractions, and well-timed ride from Mike Smith. I’ll Have Another will want to keep a closer eye on him without the speed-balls in the Derby. He will be forced to track him more intently. As the race appears to be a two-horse event, the 3/8th’s pole will introduce the improving Went The Day Well. He will start to pick up the pace, and the clock will hasten at this point. When they arrive at the quarter pole, I would look for W.T.D.W. to square off with I’ll Have Another. Bodemeister will still be running well, but just running out of gas. The mid-pack stalker Creative Causewill throw his hat in the ring, and will give a solid account for minor awards. Be sure to use your E-Z Win Forms all the way down to find that nugget of wisdom for value. The undercard is sensational, and be sure to use the selections to score with the multi-race wagers. Best of luck in Preakness 137!

I, too, thought WTDW was primed for a clean trip and a great close for a win. BUt, alas, he came out of the gate and stopped. Why JR Val panicked and hurried the horse back up to the front is a mystery that I cannot wait to read about in the DRF, WP, or other pubs. Total mystery. Trainer and owners cannot be happy. Blame all around on this horse.

I am tossing out the race. I think with a little time off, and some grass training. Mr. Motion will have him geared up top tear up the Belmont / Saratoga green. I agree, Johnny V has looked better. It almost looked like he bled as was going backwards.

I still think he is special, and as far as IHA. He has a great shot… I know that is master of the obvious, but if Dullahan cannot get it done, I think he will be ultra-tough. Mr. Cauthen is already coming out with his feelings about Mario, and how good the horse comes back. This should be a great time to be a racing fan…

Best of luck !

Ed

The game can use a new hero, and what better time than now ?? – For the next few weeks the world will build with Triple Crown fever.